There haven’t been many devices as talked about as the so far non existent Apple tablet, but that hasn't stopped industry watchers from speculating on its arrival as the replacement for the much loved but killed off Newton.   The industry has scrambled during 2009 to release tablet after tablet in anticipation of this device coming but its still yet to surface with an expected arrival now of Q1 2010.  At this time the cost of the device is unknown, speculation suggests between $300 - $2000 but I have another theory that it will cost much less to get yet much more to own.

Apple have been partnering with mobile phone carriers worldwide with the iphone and in turn gaining valuable knowledge into the mobile phone industry.  My belief is that this will be the method of Apples pricing of this product.  $199 with a 3G mobile broadband contract locking in the consumer for 2 years would be my guess, probably at a cost of around $60 per month with cheaper monthly options with a higher initial outlay.  We have already seen phone companies subsidising net-books and with the hype that this device has already generated, I don't think anyone wants to miss out on this great way to pedal 3G contracts.   Of course this is just my theory, I think we all hope that there will be an option to buy without contract and many will sniff at the thought of being locked in to a particular provider as all carriers will undoubtably be scrambling on the heels of the iphone for exclusivity.  This business model will mean Apple can come to market with a product at a perceived price point that will make it difficult for others to compete despite the subsidy.

As for the OS, my belief is that it will use a modified extension of the Iphone OS with access to the App Store, the device will have built in wifi/3G/Bluetooth/GPS/Accelerometer and a digital compass much like the 3GS so most apps will work.   Why will the apps work?  because apple will be going HD with the next version of the iphone and enabling proper resolution independence for cross compatibility.  All i can say is 2010 will be an exciting year for tablet computing and we will be here every step of the way to follow developments.  Watch this space...

Mark